2008 accomplishments

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2008-09 Accomplishments

2008 & 2009 Highlights

Through the efforts of the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA), the County obtained a $1,617,054 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The the purpose of the grant was to remove illegal scrap tires from a recently tax reverted property. The OEA, on behalf of the County, also obtained $20,000 for the removal of illegal scrap tires at another site.
The Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) served as the Project Manager for the clean up of three illegal scrap tire sites. Two of the sites were among the largest remaining in the State of Michigan. The project was completed under budget and approximately $600,000 was returned to the State. The completion of these three cleanups marks the end of the illegal tire site problem in Osceola County.
Through the efforts of the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA), the County obtained a $218,750 grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The purpose of the grant is to assist very-low income homeowners maintain their home at Section 8, Housing Quality Standards. The OEA is currently administering the grant on the County's behalf.
Through the efforts of the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA), the Village of Marion was able to receive an $18,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. The OEA identified the grant source and then helped the Village prepare and submit their grant application. The purpose of the grant is to replace and upgrade equipment at their park.
Through the efforts of the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) several non-profits and one individual received smaller grants. The INC Spot received a $3,000 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund, The Osceola League for the Arts and Humanities received a $1,750 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund, and a private citizen received a $3,325 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Working as part of a committee the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) helped establish the Osceola County Quilt Trail. The Quilt Trail is made up of a number of painted quilt blocks that are mounted from barns and other buildings. The Quilt Trail is something Osceola County residents can enjoy, but it is also envisioned it will draw individuals from outside Osceola County.

Annual Programs & Services

As part of its economic development mission the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) provides assistance to Osceola County based manufacturers. Projects included:

Project	Description
Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) visits focused toward manufacturering	Thirteen BR&E visits were conducted. Additional assistance was provided at some of these companies as well as at other companies.
Co-sponsor of the Region 3, Manufacturing Diversification Summit	Co-sponsored, along with 12 other counties, a program to educate companies on the opportunities in the aerospace, alternative energy, medical, and defense/homeland security sectors.
Manufacturing portion of the Osceola Economic Alliance website	Updated and maintained the manufacturing section of the Osceola Economic Alliance website.

As part of its economic development mission the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) provides assistance to small businesses in Osceola County. Projects included:

Project

Description

Small business counseling, research, and referrals

Counseling, research, and referrals is provided to existing and start-up small businesses. Assistance ranges from answering short simple questions to providing more in-depth assistance over multiple sessions. Assistance was provided to 64 small businesses.

One client was a manufacturer of pelllets for wood stoves. The company is now operational and will be employing approximately 25 individuals within the next two years.

Small business portion of the Osceola Economic Alliance website

Updated and maintained the small business section of the Osceola Economic Alliance website.

The Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) is the agency responsible for the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has made much progress over the last two years.

Activity	Comment
Regular monthly board meetings initiated	2008
Environmental consulting firm hired	2008
Community outreach meetings conducted	formal meetings 2008; continuing program 2009
Database of properties developed	2008
Land Bank Authority workshop held	2009
First Property Profiles developed	2009
First Phase I completed	2009
First Phase II completed	2009
Brownfield website developed	2009; included as part of county's economic development website

Although not a housing agency, as part of its community development mission, the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) attempts to bring an awareness of certain housing programs to the residents of Osceola County as well as provide the county a means to operate a Housing Rehabilitation program.

Activity	Description
Program awareness (education)	Thirty-six individuals/families received information on Michigan State Housing Development Authority, United States Rural Development Authority, and other housing programs.
Foreclosure prevention articles	Several articles were written and sent to the three newspapers serving Osceola County
MSHDA Homeowner Rehabilitation program	The Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) serves as the Local Administrator for Osceola County's Homeowner Rehab program which is funded by a Community Development Block Grant received from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

As part of its community development mission the Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) provides assistance to local units of government and non-profits. Projects may be short-term or long-term in duration.

Governmental and Non-Profit Entities	Assistance Provided
Crossroads Committee, Kettenun Center, Love INC, Human Services Collaborative Body, Reed City Library, Osceola League for the Arts & Humanities	Grants research (non-profits)
LeRoy Township, Richmond Township Osceola County Parks Commission	Grant research (government)
Love INC, Osceola County Quilt Trail, Osceola League for the Arts & Humanities	Grant writing (non-profits)
Rose Lake Township, Village of Marion	Grant writing
Osceola County, Rose Lake Township	Grant administration
Habitat for Humanity (income data) LeRoy – Rose Lake Fire Department Lions Club (demographics)	Research (non-profit)
Lincoln Township (wind data), Osceola County	Research (government)
Hartwick Township, Osceola Township	Zoning
Osceola County Parks Commission	Development of Recreation Plan Customer Service Workshop presenter
Village of Marion	Assistance with establishing Plant Rehabilitation District and Industrial Development District
Osceola County Planning Commission	Board member Development of bylaws Development of Planning Commission Ordinance Development of training material
Osceola County, Osceola County Township Association	Webmaster
Osceola Township Planning Commission	Bylaw development
Osceola League for the Arts & Humanities	Quilt Trail project member
Reed City Chamber of Commerce	Strategic planning facilitation

The Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) stayed involved with several regional boards. Participation on regional boards are an effective means to learn about different programs, ensure the interests of Osceola County are considered, and a way to develop relationships that prove beneficial when working through thru issues.

Michigan Works West Central	Board member
West Michigan Regional Planning Commission	Board member Economic Development Subcommittee member

Osceola Economic Alliance

301 W. Upton ● Reed City, MI 49677

Phone: (231) 832-7397 ● Fax: (231) 832-3381

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Last Updated: July 28, 2010